The Wausau, Wisconsin community is mourning the tragic loss of Shirley L. Erickson and Arlen Erickson, a married couple who died in a devastating head-on collision on Highway 52 near Forest Lawn Road.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Marathon County Circuit Court, investigators allege that the crash occurred on September 26, 2025, when a pickup truck driven by Adam H. Borchardt crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, resulting in a violent impact with the Ericksons’ Nissan Rogue.
Authorities confirmed that both Shirley and Arlen Erickson were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, but the severity of the collision caused fatal injuries, and both were pronounced dead following the incident. A passenger in the pickup truck also sustained serious injuries and required surgical treatment.
Crash reconstruction findings indicate that both vehicles were traveling within posted speed limits before the collision. Investigators reported no mechanical failure, and the case has largely focused on human factors in the crash.
Officials also allege that Borchardt tested positive for methamphetamine following the incident, and the ongoing criminal case continues to examine whether impairment contributed to the lane departure that caused the collision.
Authorities say Borchardt reportedly told deputies he had limited recollection of the crash and speculated he may have swerved to avoid a deer before losing control of the vehicle.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to fully reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal collision.
The Wausau community continues to grieve the loss of the Ericksons, remembering them as a devoted couple whose lives ended far too suddenly.
May Shirley L. Erickson and Arlen Erickson rest in peace.
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